The Archdiocese of Baltimore announced today the following events marking the beatification of Pope John Paul II.
Sunday, May 1
10:45 a.m.
Mass, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore
11:45 a.m.
Eucharistic Procession from the Basilica to the Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden (Charles and Franklin Streets)
Praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Prayer Garden
4:30 p.m.
Mass for young adults, Basilica
5:30 p.m.
Eucharistic Process following Mass for young adults from Basilica to Pope John Paul II Prayer Garden
Praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, Prayer Garden
Monday, May 2
Students in all Catholic schools will recite special beatification prayer, and learn about life of Pope John Paul II and making of saints.
Media Notes:
Beatification is an intermediate step toward sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. At the May 1 Mass of Beatification in Rome, the former pontiff will become Blessed John Paul II. French nun, Sr. Marie Simon-Pierre’s miraculous recovery from Parkinson’s disease opened the way for the beatification process. In January, Pope Benedict XVI certified the findings of a panel charged with investigating the alleged miracle ascribed to his predecessor. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected in Rome for the three-day program, which will be aired live on EWTN. Pope John Paul II visited the Archdiocese of Baltimore (oldest Catholic diocese in the United States) October 7-8, 1995, making stops at the Basilica (America’s First Cathedral), Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Our Daily Bread soup kitchen and St. Mary’s Seminary & University (oldest American seminary.
For more information, visit www.archbalt.org.